2023 Washington Forum
Monday, October 30-Wednesday, November 1
The Forum includes presentations and briefings from national and global experts on pertinent policy, technical, regulatory, and management issues impacting the surface finishing industry, including environmental regulatory issues, labor and workplace trends, tax policy, economic outlooks, supply chain challenges, globally regulatory developments, and political and election outlooks.
Recent speakers at the Forum have included Jake Sherman- Founder, Punchbowl News, Jeff Weiss- Partner, Steptoe & Johnson, LLP, Marc Freedman- Vice President of Employment Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Michael Chipley- Cyber Security & Information Systems Information Analysis Center.
In addition, Washington Forum Participants also have the option during the event to meet with their own congressional representatives and staff to educate them about the importance and impact of the surface finishing industry, the challenges facing companies, and specific policy priorities of concern.
Registration & Hotel Arrangements
Member-Rate: $695
Non-Member-Rate: $895
This year, the Washington Forum took place at The Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City.
When booking flights, remember as an NASF member you receive a Delta discount. Click here for instructions.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Put your company’s name at the forefront of attendees’ minds and build name recognition. Sponsor the Washington Forum receptions, speakers, and more! Reach out to [email protected] to inquire!
Monday Afternoon, October 30, 2023 | Ambassador Room
12:00 – 5:00 NASF Board of Directors Meeting – Ritz Carlton
2:00 – 7:00 Registration – Ritz Carlton, Lobby
Monday Evening, October 30, 2023 | Diplomat Room
5:00 – 7:00 NASF Forum Welcome Reception – Ritz Carlton, Salon II
Debra Shore, EPA Region 5 Administrator (Chicago)
Tuesday Morning, October 31, 2023 | Diplomat Room
7:15 – 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 – 8:10 Opening Remarks
Waasy Boddison, NASF President
Rick Delawder, SWD Inc., Chairman, NASF Government Advisory Committee
Rosario Palmieri, NASF Executive Director
8:10 – 8:30 NASF Update: The Industry Agenda
Christian Richter, The Policy Group
8:30 – 9:30 Automotive Industry Policy Agenda and Supply Chain Priorities
Mark Bacchus, Senior Manager, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Toyota
Catherine Palin, Senior Attorney and Environmental Director, AAI
Bill Frymoyer, Vice President, Public Policy, Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association
9:30 – 10:15 U.S. Economic and Manufacturing Outlook
Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
10:15 – 10:30 Break
10:30 – 11:00 EPA’s PFAS Effluent Guidelines for Surface Finishing: Rulemaking Status & Update
Dr. Philip Flanders, EPA Office of Water
11:00 – 11:30 A Wastewater Utility Perspective on the Challenge of PFAS and Surface Finishing
Cynthia Finley, National Association of Clean Water Agencies
11:30 – Noon Industry Partnerships: NASF Collaboration with Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG)
Lecedra Welch-Jones, Program Manager, Environmental Sustainability, Automotive Industry Action Group
Noon – 12:15 Break
12:15 – 1:45 Lunch Keynote
Bart Meroney, Executive Director for Manufacturing, U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Commerce
1:30 – 2:00 Break
2:00 – 2:45 Labor and Workplace Policy: Recent Actions and Trends Impacting Employers
Marc Freedman, Vice President of Employment Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
2:45 – 3:15 U.S. Trade Policy and the Manufacturing Supply Chain: Outlook for 2022
John Herrman, Partner, Kelley Drye
3:15 – 3:30 Break
3:30 – 4:15 U.S. Defense Industrial Base Resilience: Outlook and Priorities
Halimah Najieb-Locke, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience
4:15 – 5:00 Strengthening the Future of U.S. Manufacturing: Metals and Critical Mineral
Lauren Schefsky, International Trade Specialist
John Meakem, International Trade Specialist
Office of Critical Minerals and Metals, U.S. Department of Commerce
5:00 Adjourn
5:15 – 5:45 Congressional Meetings: Preparing for Meetings for Capitol Hill (Optional)
Christian Richter, The Policy Group
Jeff Hannapel, The Policy Group
5:30 – 7:30 NASF Forum Reception – Ritz Carlton | Ambassador Room
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 | Diplomat Room
7:00 – 8:30 NASF Breakfast & Briefing
Christian Richter, The Policy Group
Jeff Hannapel, The Policy Group
8:30 – 5:00 Congressional Visits (Optional – Restricted Access) Capitol Hill
Cancellation Policy
If a cancellation is requested prior to October 1, 2023, a full refund will be issued with a $75 handling fee. Those requesting cancellations between October 2 – 15, 2023, will be issued a 50% refund. No requested refund will be issued after October 16, 2023.
Any questions regarding this event can be directed to NASF at [email protected]g.